PITTSBORO — The highly anticipated opening of the new YMCA in Chatham Park last Wednesday was met with perfect weather for a symbolic ribbon cutting. City, state and local officials, community members, developers and stakeholders gathered to celebrate the opening of the 36,000-square-foot facility.
With hardly a cloud in the sky, the bright afternoon sun reflected off the outdoor pools and gleaming glass doors as speakers representing the project spoke.
“This unique facility is the power of vision and collaboration,” said Bruce Ham, CEO of YMCA of the Triangle.
Since 2014, a facility at Main Street Sation near downtown Pittsboro served thousands of young people in the community through sports camps, after-school programs and all the hallmark offerings the Y’s mission is centered around.
“But it was too small,” Ham said. “It wasn’t enough, and our volunteers pushed us to think bigger.”
To fund and construct the facility, Preston Development Company, the developers behind the broader Chatham Park project, were instrumental in bringing the new Y to fruition.
“For decades, Tim Smith and Bubba Rawl of Preston Development Company have been incredible supporters,” Ham said. “Their vision and record-breaking donation ensured the Y’s success here.”
Several speakers touched on how the Y has impacted their lives.
“The YMCA means more to me than I can express in words,” said state Rep. Robert Reives (D-Chatham).
Karen Howard, chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, said, “I think about all the memories to come out of our vibrant community through this YMCA,” she said. “The children who will grow up here; a toddler, the grandparents, your grandchildren.”
“The impact that we have here at the Y will go far beyond Chatham Park,” said Forest Perry, vice president of operations for YMCA of the Triangle. “The impact of the Y will radiate locally, regionally, and beyond.”
The new Pittsboro facility offers a variety of wellness programs for adults and children. It includes rock walls, an outdoor “airnasium,” two pools, a waterslide, play spaces and state-of-the-art fitness machines.
“The Y is a place for people to find wellness, from inside and out,” Ham said.
